The HOPE Program Presents an Evening of Tastes, Toasts and Transformations on May 3

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Nonprofit Leader and Social Justice Advocate Barbara Edwards Delsman to be Honored; Evening to Feature Special Guest and ”Alexander Hamilton” Author Ron Chernow

An evening of "Tastes,Toasts and Transformations" with special guest and author of "Alexander Hamilton," inspiration for hit Broadway musical "Hamilton!"

New York, NY (PRWEB)April 29, 2016

The HOPE Program (HOPE), a workforce development organization for disadvantaged New Yorkers, will host its annual “A Taste of HOPE” fundraiser on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at 6 p.m. ET at the Prince George Ballroom in Manhattan. The event is expected to attract upwards of 300 people including key players from the New York culinary scene and other luminaries, including Ron Chernow, author of “Alexander Hamilton,” inspiration for the Broadway musical “Hamilton!” Mr. Chernow will present HOPE’s prestigious Founders Award to Barbara Edwards Delsman, former executive director of HOPE who served the organization for 21 years and was instrumental in its growth.

“Not only do we prepare students for jobs, but also help them keep those positions. In fact, HOPE’s one-year retention rate of 73 percent is among the strongest in the field,” said Jennifer Mitchell, executive director of The HOPE Program. “A Taste of HOPE is such an empowering and encouraging evening filled with success stories from our students, graduates, partners and staff that truly exemplifies HOPE’s impact.”

Corporate sponsors contributing to the evening include Day Pitney, Foros, BNY Mellon, Kirk Palmer Associates, Macquarie, and Prosek Partners. The Economist, Neuman's Kitchen and Breaking Ground are also among key event sponsors. More than 90 percent of proceeds from the event will be re-invested directly back into The HOPE Program.

“Please join me for A Taste of HOPE on May 3 and help The HOPE Program to achieve new Hamiltonian heights. I can't think of a better program in New York to support - or a tastier way to do so,” said Chernow.

The HOPE Program’s signature evening promises delectable bites and beverages from more than 25 local bakeries, caterers, restaurants and other food and beverage providers. All of these partners are dedicated to HOPE’s mission of providing hardworking New Yorkers with opportunities to secure meaningful work. This year’s vendor roster includes Brooklyn Brine, Four & Twenty Blackbirds, Magnolia Bakery, Shake Shack, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and TVCWines, among others.

Many event participants also employ HOPE graduates after they complete HOPE’s innovative FOODworks program, which launched in 2010 and prepares jobseekers with skills needed for careers in the burgeoning food industry. In addition to FOODworks, HOPE offers training for various industries, including maintenance, office/clerical, retail and others. As HOPE recently welcomed Sustainable South Bronx to its portfolio of programs, the organization now also offers green jobs training and transitional employment in the environmental sector. Across all programs, HOPE offers job search support, including access to a broad network of employer partners, and an ongoing commitment to graduates’ success in the workforce.

“It is amazing to see the tremendous growth of HOPE over the years and how committed the network of student and staff alumni is to giving back to the organization,” Delsman said. “HOPE was such an integral part of my life for more than 20 years and in many ways became my second family. My memories of significant life milestones are always against the backdrop of what was happening at HOPE at the time. For me, this is a deeply personal award, one that I am both honored and proud to receive.”